Dr Ram Chhaya Man Amatya is a senior ENT surgeon and specialist, and he has been practicing for more than three decades now. He says that there are many reasons that can cause hearing loss. "From excessive exposure to loud noise, various diseases to infection, it can be anything," he says. But one of the main reasons could be aging. "Progressive hearing loss is also caused by aging. In my patients I've seen the first symptoms from the age of 40 and above," he adds.
It is therefore imperative to look out things that might speed up the process.
Excessive noise
Music is the food for life, or so we say as an excuse for loud music in parties and whenever we are in a celebratory mood. While it certainly makes the event more exciting, you might want to consider what this could be doing to your ears. It might also apply if you have a habit of listening to music at full volume with the earphone plugged in. Of course doing this has its own charm, but you need to keep the volume in check. So stay away from loud noise as much as you can.
This also means avoiding the traffic noise, which is perhaps the worst kind of noise as it can cause serious damage not only to your hearing ability, but also to your mood. So put in some ear plugs whenever you can – you'll be doing yourself a huge favor.
When you miss a word
Progressive hearing loss means you will gradually lose your hearing ability, and it might first start with you not being able to make out some words during a phone conversation. Don't always blame it on the crappy network. Rather, check if you can actually hear what the other person is saying. Also, keep in mind the word differences. It might be a hearing slip, due to loud noise in the surrounding, but you never know.
When you want to increase volumes
If you ever feel the need to increase the volume level on the television, radio, or if the volume bar in your computer betrays you because that is not enough for you, then that's the red flag. The noise born from congestion and traffic might not be the only reason you feel like pressing that increase volume button.
Diseases and other health risks
This isn't good news if you're a smoker. Smoking decreases the blood flow to the middle and inner ear and might be the cause of hearing loss. "Besides that, ototoxic drugs, like certain antibiotics, also cause hearing loss. Even taking a lot of aspirin isn't good for your ears," says Dr Amatya. This also means you need to keep your ears clear of all the earwax, as they can also cause the problem. This, however, can be treated easily.
Don't hesitate, ask
If you're partially hearing impaired, then keep on asking until you know what the other person is talking about. Accompany that question with a smile and you'll be just fine. Also, if your situation is declared to be permanent, then learning to lip-read or communicate via sign language might make things easier for you and the other person.
And if you're that someone trying to communicate with such people, then first of all, be patient. Try to keep your messages concise and to the point. Face your companion so that it's easier for the other person to talk to you. Also make sure you are not chewing gum, eating something, or have your mouth covered with a mask, as they might understand you by reading your lips.
Put the noise down
You can't afford to surround yourself with noise pollutants anymore. Cut the electronic devices that make a lot of noise which not only hampers the conversation you're having, but also is a threat to your companion. It's almost impossible, but try to stay in a quiet and peaceful place as much as possible. Choose a place that doesn't echo, so that no further difficulties arise.
Last but not the least, get a checkup. You know what to look out for and if you have some symptoms of hearing loss then visit a doctor to tackle it on time. Though there aren't medications as such that will treat your ears, tackling the problem at its earliest will be a wise thing to do. A little bit of precaution and being alert might save you a lot of trouble in the future.
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